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My Child Has:
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Programs that treat this condition
Adolescent and Young Adult Hip Program   General Orthopedic Program  
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Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the hip joint that affects children. In SCFE, the head, or "ball," of the thigh bone (referred to as the femoral head) slips off the neck of the thigh bone.

An analogy commonly used to describe this condition is that it can be like a scoop of ice cream slipping off the top of a cone. This condition causes the hip joint to become painful and stiff.

Approximately one half of SCFE cases affect both hips, and boys are affected more often than girls. It can result from trauma, also referred to as an "acute slip," or can occur over a period of weeks to years. This is called a "chronic slip."

SCFE has three degrees of severity:

  • Mild: approximately one-third of the femoral head slips off of the thigh bone
  • Moderate: approximately one-third to one-half of the femoral head slips off of the thigh bone
  • Severe: more than one-half of the femoral head slips off of the thigh bone
What causes SCFE?
The cause of SCFE is unknown. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of SCFE include:
  • obesity
  • medications (such as steroids)
  • thyroid problems
  • radiation treatment
  • chemotherapy
  • bone problems related to kidney disease
  • obesity
Who is affected?
  • SCFE is an unusual condition which is more likely to occur in boys than girls. Children ages 11 to 15 years are most at risk.
  • SCFE is more prevalent in the northeast region of the United States than in the southwestern states. It is also more prevalent among African-Americans. In many cases, the child is overweight.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SCFE typically include pain in the hip that is aggravated by activity. Sometimes teens will also experience pain in the groin, thigh, or knee area. In acute slips, teens may complain of immediate pain, walk with a limp, have trouble walking, or feel like the leg is "giving way." With chronic slips, the teen usually walks with a limp, complains of hip pain, and feels that rest alleviates the pain.

This condition may also cause a teen to walk with his/her leg turned outward.

The symptoms of SCFE may resemble other conditions or medical problems of the hip. Always consult your adolescent's physician for a diagnosis.

How is SCFE diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for SCFE may include:

  • x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
  • bone scans - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints, detect bone diseases and tumors, and determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
  • blood tests
The ultimate goal in SCFE is to diagnose the condition early in order to prevent the head of the femur from slipping further off of the thigh bone, thus preventing hip deformity. When the diagnosis of SCFE is made, the adolescent is not allowed to bear weight on the hip. Crutches or a wheelchair may be used.
Treatment
Specific treatment for SCFE will be determined by your adolescent's physician based on:
  • your adolescent's age, overall health, and medical history
  • the extent of the condition
  • your adolescent's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the condition
  • your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment is to prevent the femoral head from further slippage. Treatment may include:
  • surgery (involving the use of a steel pin to hold the femoral head onto the femur to prevent it from slipping further)
  • physical therapy (following surgery, to help strengthen the hip and leg muscles)
Long-term outlook for an adolescent with slipped capital femoral epiphysis:
The more severe the case, the greater the likelihood that the adolescent will experience limited hip motion, differences in leg lengths, and further hip problems in adulthood. However, with early detection and proper treatment, a good outcome with few problems is possible.
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